Ruud van Nistelrooy has 'chip on his shoulder' but brave Leicester City gamble backed
Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to be named as the new Leicester City boss, and could be in post in time for the next game at Brentford this weekend - and some Leicestershire Live readers in our comments section are feeling much more positive about the pick than some pundits.
Manchester United legend and ex-caretaker manager Van Nistelrooy has been in talks with the Leicester board this week, with Sky Sports claiming that the club have made him an offer. He will replace Steve Cooper, with the team 16th in the Premier League table.
Pundit Paul Merson said: “He did well while he was at Manchester United for three games, so that’s what they are going on. That's it. He wasn't great at PSV, so I think they're taking a chance. But fair play to him. He looks the part, but now he's got to perform with lesser players than he had at Old Trafford, and this is going to be difficult. Good luck to him, but when you look at the players that have just got the manager there the sack, will it make any difference?”
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Reader Slyasafox says: “Taking a chance? Yes. It seems every time Leicester appoint a new manager the pundits say they are taking a chance. I like this pick for manager. He seems hungry for success. I also think he has a chip on his shoulder from the Man U snub.
"He should do well enough to keep the team up. I am looking forward to see what he does with Ndidi and Faes. I think the players will respond well to him. I am sure Top laying into them about Saturday night's classless act will also get a response from the team. Looking forward to taking on Brentford. Everyone is going to want to prove their worth to the new manager.”
Commenter Hb789 agrees: “I think the players will respond better to him than to Cooper. Depends now on how he uses the coaching courses he's been on. I think Cooper was totally lost. Can become difficult for a young manager just starting when fans slag him off for poor results. Hopefully that'll happen less. Let's see. Can't be worse than Cooper as we would definitely would have gone down if City kept him.”
Dutchfox2016 writes: “Let's give him a chance. He did a great job at PSV and had some trouble with the board at the end but maybe that is just what we need a man with his character and personality. Time will tell!” Matttyfryup says: “100% behind the new manager. Brave decision, well done Top. Up the Foxes! Excited to see what happens.”
ZootAlores thinks that pundits are being too negative: “'Huge gamble' seems to be the main thrust of comments so far. Every managerial change is a gamble. I'll have my say if I don't like something - Cooper etc. - but, and if it's fact that he will become our manager, let's kick this appointment off with some positive feelings please!
"Hopefully the press are right and RVN is about to be our new manager; if so can we please get behind him? Be loud and proud for OUR team, OUR manager and OUR club. C'mon the City! Welcome boss.”
Filberts thinks that it will be a roll of the dice: "It's a huge gamble. Ruud was a great player, but has little experience as coach. Unbeaten at Man Utd, but he played us twice, so that's not saying much. Hope his young age will be a boost the players so desperately need. Top pulling the strings on this one, I hope it's the right pull.”
Yorkefox says: “Lets just hope he can get this lot kicked into shape quickly. His reputation as a player will count for a lot and if he has the passion for the club and the ownership we should see the benefits. Brentford may be too soon to see his influence but perhaps we might see players trying to impress for the first time this season!”
Have your say! Is Ruud van Nistelrooy the best choice out there? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.